kong
02-18-2012, 04:52 PM
Washington Passes Bill Requiring Insurance Cover Abortions
Finally, some good news to share.
The Washington House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday that requires health insurance companies that cover maternity care to also pay for abortions. Supporters of the legislation say the bill brings state law into line with the requirements of health care reform while opponents claim the bill is unnecessary, will drive up the price of health insurance and infringes on religious liberties. The Affordable Care Act requires every state operate a health insurance exchange for individuals or groups to buy insurance. Or, states may let the federal government do so for them. Either way, as of 2014 every insurance plan sold within the exchange must cover abortion. All health insurance carriers in Washington already have plans that cover maternity care and abortion, but they also have the option to offer plans that do not include abortion coverage. State law requires all state-regulated health insurers have abortion-coverage plans and this bill ensures women continue to have access to abortion services at the state level and within the framework of the federal mandate. Like the current debate about contraceptive coverage, Washington state lawmakers have added amendments to create exemptions for religiously-sponsored health care providers or businesses that do not want to cover abortion for moral or religious reasons. Not surprisingly, opponents do not see this as adequate. The measure now heads to the Senate where Sen. Craig Pridemore, D-Vancouver, is cosponsoring a companion bill.
Finally, some good news to share.
The Washington House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday that requires health insurance companies that cover maternity care to also pay for abortions. Supporters of the legislation say the bill brings state law into line with the requirements of health care reform while opponents claim the bill is unnecessary, will drive up the price of health insurance and infringes on religious liberties. The Affordable Care Act requires every state operate a health insurance exchange for individuals or groups to buy insurance. Or, states may let the federal government do so for them. Either way, as of 2014 every insurance plan sold within the exchange must cover abortion. All health insurance carriers in Washington already have plans that cover maternity care and abortion, but they also have the option to offer plans that do not include abortion coverage. State law requires all state-regulated health insurers have abortion-coverage plans and this bill ensures women continue to have access to abortion services at the state level and within the framework of the federal mandate. Like the current debate about contraceptive coverage, Washington state lawmakers have added amendments to create exemptions for religiously-sponsored health care providers or businesses that do not want to cover abortion for moral or religious reasons. Not surprisingly, opponents do not see this as adequate. The measure now heads to the Senate where Sen. Craig Pridemore, D-Vancouver, is cosponsoring a companion bill.